Evangelidis co-sponsors energy bill

The bill would create a personal income tax deduction for drivers who buy hybrid and clean-fuel cars, trucks and vans and would excuse motorists from paying any excise tax on those vehicles. The bill would also permanently repeal the state gas tax for municipal vehicles. “I think as government official we should do everything we can to promote the use of fuel-efficient vehicles,” Evangelidis said.

To encourage energy efficiency in the home, this bill is calling for a two-week sales tax holiday for the purchase of energy efficient appliances and a permanent elimination of sales tax on energy-efficient furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, windows, doors and insulation.

The bill also includes provisions to help elderly residents and middle-income households pay to heat their homes this winter.

The legislation is the second half of a comprehensive plan to encourage energy efficiency and save consumers money. Last week, Evangelidis co-sponsored a bill with other members of the Republican Caucus that would give drivers a reprieve from paying the 21 cent-per-gallon state gas tax until the end of the year.